CompuServe Messages

>>up to six audio tracks on Hi-8, vague camcorder manual… Tim, You may be referring to the "Multi-PCM" digital audio mode on some Sony machines. One of my Sony 8mm (not Hi-8) decks has the ability to record six independent stereo track pairs on a tape in an audio-only mode. You can access only one stereo pair at a time, so it is generally not useful as a multi-track audio deck. In this "Multi-PCM" mode, the extra tracks are physically on the tape in place of the video signal. It sounds fantastic even though the PCM format samples the audio signal at somewhat less than the 44KHz CD standard. It's biggest advantage may be the ability to fit 6 hours of digital audio on one tape. This multi-PCM option may be a Sony-only feature and not a standard. I also don't know if it is specifically available on Hi-8 decks – neither of my (Sony) Hi-8 machines have it. JKJ